On April 23, 2026, the Gambia University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) delegation, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, paid a strategic visit to the Spanish Embassy to deepen collaboration and explore new opportunities for student development.
Discussions focused on advancing partnership initiatives, including resource mobilization for the upcoming Convocation and expanding vocational training opportunities for students. In a major highlight, the Spanish Embassy pledged support to train 20 USET students in Electrical and Plumbing works over a three-month period, with plans to scale the program to include Masonry, Carpentry, and Joinery and drawing inspiration from successful youth empowerment models in Senegal and Mauritania.
To further strengthen the initiative, the Embassy also committed to facilitating a one-week Training of Trainers program with experts from the Canary Islands.
USET has been invited to submit a detailed proposal for funding ahead of the program’s planned launch in September 2026. The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to delivering a comprehensive proposal and also highlighted the need to activate the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the University of La Laguna, prompting the Embassy’s assurance to follow up.
The visit, which included senior university officials and the Resource Mobilization Team led by Dr. Edward C. Mansal concluded on a positive note celebrating the strong and growing relationship between USET and Spanish institutions.
Together, we are building pathways for skills development, innovation, and global partnerships for our students.